DES MOINES – Should Iowa should raise its cigarette tax?
The American Cancer Society has offered up an idea to Iowa legislators to tack on a $1.50 tax increase to the current roughly $1.70 per pack tax – this ranks 29th in the nation.
Back in 2007, Iowa lawmakers boosted the cigarette tax by $1 to $1.36 per pack; this is the last time the state increased the levy. An anti-tobacco group praised then-Governor Chet Culver “for his leadership in proposing the cigarette tax increase.”
With the state facing red ink and possible cuts to services and programs this legislative session, is it time for Iowa to slap a bigger tax on cigarettes?
It’s the democrats that need more welfare money – quit saying its the tobacco companies – its the deep state that wants the money – 80 million dollar giveaway to gas company to build pipe lline from worth county to mitchell county -Cafos along the way – china/ japan wants more pork – screw the non farmers – Terry’s in China setting up hog lots in Iowa. Oh well thats just a RUMOR.
I don’t smoke, never have. I can’t agree with the American Cancer Society even thought their cause is noble.
Smokers suffer from the “need” to smoke the same as “pot smokers” suffer from their need to get high. They are running away from themselves when they light up. I don’t believe in kicking a dog when it’s down.
Reread the article. My take from it is that the American Cancer Society is promoting the higher tax, not Iowa government. Put the blame where it belongs. There’s only one way to stop feeding big government.
Time to start chewing gum – I will quit because I am pissed that this money raised (100 million) will be used for public servants raises and retirement benefits – I am tired of feeding big government.
Tax the rich, tax the rich, not me! You fools fall right into big government’s trap. Stop calling for more taxes. Tell your representatives to cut spending!
I second that motion, down below, legalize weed. A 5 billion dollar industry who’s revenue will pass the total take of all the NFL shortly. The green tide is sweeping the nation and you can’t stop it. Proven to be a top flight in pain management it will crush big pharma. As for the taxes on cigs….go eat a carrot stick.
Smoke, smoke, smoke that pot! Someone has to deliver those pizzas!
It’s a fools paradise.
The greedy are never satisfied – maybe cutting state spending would solve the problem buts that’s taboo – so raise the tax on tobacco – people will stop using it – balance is 0 because the minus factor will only vaporize the increase in tax – But – tobacco companies will suffer and so will the American economy. Taxes are great – that’s what started the revolutionary war that formed the United States. Go for it because you elected officials and your welfare voting base wants it.
I foresee the future, tobacco companies will (not) suffer. They’re already set up to grow (marijuana) which they will once it’s legal country wide. I’ve heard it’s already happening in Colorado. The tobacco companies will continue to rip people off, but maybe healthier.
Do away with IPERS that benefits a very few of Iowa residents and the problem would be solved.
Well most rich people have their own insurance and not the free obummer care and most of you that have the free insurance smoke every minute of your life. Drive by central park you’ll see almost everyone waiting to get on the buses has a cig or 2 hanging out of their mouth.
And, when they finish smoking they throw the butts on the ground, it’s a pathetic site around the bus depot. It’s also illegal to smoke there.
Allen-those people do not care if it is illegal
As people stop smoking (and they are) the taxing of people who can’t afford it makes less and less sense. The tax on golf carts and high end homes makes much more sense. Of course they will never do that because the rich people have influence and poor people do not.
Yep, you are correct but keep supporting Trump and the Republicans and this is what you get.
Did you even read the article?? The article has nothing to do with Trump and they praised Culver (The worst Democrat Governor we have ever had. Not a Republican at all. He was much to cooked to ever be a Republican.
my cigs in iowa are $53 A carton, cpl of weeks ago in Missouri I bought them for $29.67 a carton. lets have a higher tax on luxury cars, membership to country club, higher taxes for houses in country club estates, stone pillar, Asbury and east brooke, golf carts and all the other luxury items. then lets see who squeels
Absolutely
Just legalize weed, tax it and problems solved
Our jail are already full, adding a bunch of braindead pot heads won’t help cut costs.